This Michigan Burger Joint Is So Hidden, Locals Swear It Has The Best Double Cheeseburgers In The State

I stumbled into Motz’s Burgers on a tip from my uncle who grew up in Southwest Detroit, and honestly, I thought he was exaggerating.

How could a tiny counter-service spot with barely any signage possibly serve the best double cheeseburger in all of Michigan? One bite later, I was completely converted—and immediately texting everyone I knew.

The patties were perfectly seared, the onions caramelized just right, and the bun had that soft, nostalgic diner feel. This place isn’t just good—it’s iconic. It’s the kind of legendary local joint that generations quietly protect, and today I’m sharing seven reasons why.

A Southwest Detroit Classic That Flies Under the Radar

Motz’s doesn’t shout for attention, and that’s exactly its charm. Tucked along Fort Street in Southwest Detroit, this compact counter-service joint operates like a neighborhood secret handshake. The griddle sits right in front of you, sizzling thin patties until they’re crispy-edged perfection.

Regulars pile in during lunch, order their doubles without looking at the menu, and disappear just as quickly. There’s no fancy décor, no Instagram wall, just pure focus on what matters: the burger. If you blink while driving past, you’ll miss it completely.

That’s the beauty of Motz’s—it survives on word-of-mouth and loyalty, not flashy marketing.

Verified Open: Two Small Stores, Same Big Flavor

Good news for burger hunters: Motz’s isn’t a ghost story. The original shop at 7208 W Fort St in Detroit is alive and griddling, with a sister location at 27010 Plymouth Rd in Redford Charter Township. Both spots show up on official listings, social feeds, and maps with current hours and service details.

I’ve hit both locations on different trips, and the quality stays rock-solid. Whether you’re closer to downtown or out in Redford, you’re getting the same seared-edge magic. The consistency between shops proves this isn’t luck—it’s a system that works.

No need to worry about showing up to a closed door or outdated info.

The Double That Built the Reputation

Forget complicated menus—Motz’s keeps it brilliantly simple. The Double Cheeseburger is the undisputed star, and locals will tell first-timers to order it without hesitation. Two thin patties mean maximum surface area for that caramelized crust, plus double the cheese melt and twice the onion-pickle crunch.

Every bite delivers beefy, tangy, savory perfection in perfect balance. The patties are smashed thin on a scorching griddle, creating crispy edges that lock in juice while adding serious texture. It’s built to order, never sitting under a heat lamp.

This burger earned Motz’s its reputation, one double at a time.

Hours & How to Time Your Visit

Timing your Motz’s run takes a little homework, but it’s worth it. The Detroit original leans toward breakfast and lunch on weekdays, wrapping up earlier than you’d expect. Meanwhile, the Redford spot typically runs a late-lunch to early-evening window, giving you a bit more flexibility.

I learned the hard way to check hours before making the drive. Both locations keep their listings updated on Yelp, Google, and social media, so a quick scroll saves you a wasted trip. Weekday lunch is prime time at Fort Street—expect a small crowd of regulars.

Plan ahead, and you’ll catch the griddle at its busiest, freshest peak.

What to Order With It (Locals’ Add-Ons)

Locals have the Motz’s order down to a science. Start with the double cheeseburger, add grilled onions for sweetness and char, then pair it with a shake and either classic fries or chili fries if you’re feeling bold. The sides are diner-simple and affordable, designed to complement rather than compete with the main event.

I’m a sucker for the chili fries—they’re messy, hearty, and exactly what you want after the first burger bite. The menu board doesn’t overwhelm you with choices, which is refreshing. Everything has a purpose, and nothing feels like filler.

Stick to the classics, and you’ll eat like a regular on day one.

Why Hidden Feels Right

Motz’s isn’t hiding on purpose—it’s just naturally low-key. The Detroit counter is tiny, with limited seating and zero frills. The Redford location is a straightforward storefront on Plymouth Road that you could easily drive past without noticing. There’s no neon, no giant sign screaming for attention, just a modest setup focused entirely on the food.

That understated footprint is exactly why newcomers are always surprised. You walk in expecting nothing fancy, then taste the double and realize you’ve found gold. It’s the kind of place that thrives on locals tipping off friends, not billboards or ads.

Hidden gems stay gems because they don’t try too hard.

Proof in the Paper Trail

Motz’s isn’t just neighborhood legend—it’s backed by real, current proof. Active social media feeds, updated map listings, and consistent third-party hours all confirm this place is thriving. The Double Cheeseburger gets called out by name across reviews, menus, and posts, showing it’s not just hype.

Decades of goodwill and repeat customers have built a quiet but powerful reputation. Many Michiganders who’ve tried burgers across the state will quietly admit Motz’s double ranks at the top. The paper trail—online reviews, photos, check-ins—tells the same story over and over: this burger delivers.

Consistency like that doesn’t happen by accident.